Darren Young recently spoke with Farbod Esnaashari for ESPN.com; you can read a few highlights below:
Darren Young comments on coming out in public inspiring his ‘Block The Hate’ movement:
“When I came out publicly to TMZ, I didn’t really think it was a big deal when I said it,” Rosser said. “But when the news hit the world, Cher was actually the first person to contact me on social media. She told me her friend was a big wrestling fan and that my story made him courageous enough to come out to his family.
“That’s when I knew that my calling became much bigger than wrestling in the ring. It became about fighting bigotry and hatred, and trying to be the voice of the voiceless. That’s how the Block the Hate movement came along.”
Young comments on how Block The Hate isn’t just for LGBT people:
“The Block the Hate movement originally started with me being an openly gay WWE superstar. But it’s more than just an LGBT movement; it’s a movement for anyone that is bullied for various reasons.
“The whole model behind it is in this world we all receive hate for various reasons, but in order to be strong and successful, you must block the hate. Hate is just a fear and not a characteristic. I actually partnered the movement with my business partner and friend Pedram [Tehranizadeh] and his clothing brand, HeadQuarters Clothing. It’s a lifestyle clothing brand that really wants to inspire others to achieve greatness through messages in their brand.”
NEXUS Reunion Announced For CHIKARA King Of Trios, Which Superstar Should Cena Face At WM?
Young recalls how CM Punk and other WWE stars had his back after he first came out:
“After Punk had his SummerSlam match with Brock Lesnar [in 2013], he came up to me in catering in front of everyone while he was iced up from the match. He approached me and told me to stand up. He said, ‘Hey, man, I heard your story and I’m very proud of you for being so courageous to make that move to come out. If anyone has a problem with it in the locker room, you let me know, and I’ll take care of it.’
“Same thing with Randy Orton. He’s one guy who gave me a big hug and much love, still to this day. Big Show was always complimenting me too. Just the love from those guys, and knowing that those particular guys have my back, means the world to me. I’ll never forget how much love those guys showed for me, then and after.”
Young comments on how he’d like to be remembered:
“Being a wrestler is a great. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. But my calling is to help educate, motivate and inspire others to be their true, authentic self. I want to be remembered as someone who’d go to battle for you. I always say in my speaking engagements, if you don’t have anyone in your family that supports you, be a part of my family. That’s my calling going forward.”
